RARE CANCER STRIKES PARRA MUM
A NEW nature trail design planned for Duck River foreshore. Designs for stage one of a new $27M pedestrian path and cycleway alongside Parramatta’s Duck River have been given the green light. More inside.
DESIGNS for stage one of a new $27M pedestrian path and cycleway alongside Parramatta’s Duck River have been given the green light.
Beginning at Silverwater Park, the 4.5 kilometre Duck River Nature Trail is a three-stage project designed to improve access for pedestrians and cyclists to the natural green corridor from Parramatta River to the shared path that follows the M4 Motorway.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Martin Zaiter said the project would promote active lifestyles along Duck River while retaining its natural beauty.
“The Duck River Nature Trail will provide pedestrians and cyclists the chance to experience the mangroves and saltmarsh of this outdoor sanctuary located in the heart of our community,” Cr Zaiter said.
“We have a vision to become an unrivalled river city renowned for its focus on sustainability and this will create a landmark connection in our area.
“Once completed, the nature trail will connect our very popular Parramatta River foreshore paths, where 2,000 people a day ride and walk, to areas outside our local area.”
The stage one designs have been shaped by community feedback and updated in response to their concerns about management of open space, ecology, safety, shade and water bubblers.
The first stage will see improvements to access at Silverwater Park
along the river, with separate paths for pedestrians and cyclists, a new dedicated bike path under Silverwater Bridge, bicycle parking, additional seating, lighting, a water fountain and tree planting.
Stage Two will focus on improving safety and amenity for pedes-
trians and cyclists on the streets of Silverwater where the foreshore is inaccessible, while Stage Three includes plans for a new bridge over Duck Creek and foreshore paths on both sides.
The transformative project will be delivered over the next four years and includes:
On the western riverbank:
• Almost 1.5km of concrete paths and boardwalks next to Duck River.
• A new walking and cycling bridge.
On the eastern riverbank:
• 1 km of pedestrian and cyclist paths along the streets of Silverwater with priority crossings, lighting upgrades and new street trees.
• More than 1.7 km of boardwalk and concrete shared path along the river corridor and in Silverwater Park.
The $27M project is proudly funded by City of Parramatta and the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants and Get Active NSW program. It is set to be opened in three stages between 2026 and 2028.
For more information visit www.participate. cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/duck-rivernature-trail
Set in one of the fastest growing LGAs in Australia, Oran Park is a thriving, peaceful, master planned community of new homes, wide open spaces, exceptional new schools and expanding dining and retail precincts.
Premium land is scheduled to release soon and there’s a lot to fit every budget and lifestyle.
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• Close proximity to award-winning parks, green spaces and waterways
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Visit the Sales Office today and discover all Oran Park has to offer.
Scan the QR code to register your interest to be informed about future land releases.
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MORE than 200 people attended the fourth annual Parramatta Street Feast in November at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta – a call to share a meal with those battling life on the lonely fringe of society.
The event is a response to Pope Francis’ World Day of the Poor and the call to build a more inclusive, welcoming and generous society.
Hosted by the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta, PAYCE Foundation, Paynter Dixon and St Merkorious Charity, the event will draw people of all ages and walks of life for a shared meal served by dozens of dedicated volunteers, as well as friendly company and plenty of entertainment.
New partners, more stalls and engaging activities are set to provide opportunities for friendship and community spirit amidst a backdrop of a vibrant live music led by the Sydney Street Choir.
Catholic Bishop of Parramatta, Bishop Vincent Long said there is no better way than sharing a meal with the disadvantaged and those on the margins to build a stronger, more inclusive community.
“A mark of a civil society is that of inclusion, that of care and outreach to those who are on the margins. And this is also the constant theme of Pope Francis’s pontificate – wherever he
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goes, that message of love, of care, of common humanity shines through his message, his gestures and his actions,” said Bishop Vincent.
“We want to replicate this theme of Pope Francis of care, love, inclusion and celebration of our common humanity here in this Diocese of Parramatta, Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.”
PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan said too many people are
struggling to survive on the streets, particularly with rents skyrocketing and the ever-increasing cost of living leading to increased food insecurity.
“The Street Feast is a simple act of humanity to let people know they are not alone. Sadly, more people are facing the prospect of living on the streets,” he said.
“The PAYCE Foundation is dedicated to helping people on the margins live a life of dignity and fulfilment and
that’s why we are a founding supporter of this event. This year's event was made possible by the generous support of its supporters including Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul Society, Thread Together, Fire and Rescue NSW, and students from local Catholic high schools including Parramatta Marist, Catherine McAuley and Cerdon College.
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DAISO has announced the Australian launch of its home and lifestyle retail concept Standard Products by DAISO at Westfield Parramatta.
Daiso offers well-designed home products that strike a balance between functionality, adorability, locally sourced in Japan, eco-friendliness, and minimalist aesthetics.
Standard Products' first store was introduced in Shibuya Mark City in Tokyo in March 2021 and today boasts more than 150 stores in three countries - Japan, Singapore and Taiwan, with Australia becoming the fourth country to welcome the brand. Standard Products is gaining popularity and recognised for its affordable and well-designed home products.
The first Australian store will open on Thursday December 12, 2024, within the recently renovated DAISO store on the third floor of Westfield Parramatta. This two-brand complex store model is the first of its kind for DAISO Australia and marks an expansion chapter for the brand.
Based on the concept of "a little bit better is always really nice", Standard Products offers everyday goods that value minimalistic and sophisticated designs. The range features home goods, tableware, kitchen, bath,
Torganisation, cleaning supplies, stationery, Japan-made wares, travel essentials, garden, and camping goods.
All the approximately 2,000 products are original, characterised by unifying textures across categories, neutral colours, clean design, and simple materials such as wood, glass, and stainless steel.
Standard Products has received multiple Good Design Awards, an award operated by the Japan Institute of Design Promotion that recognises consumer user experience, ingenuity, and sustainability.
President and CEO, Seijo Yano, said this concept was developed in response to changes in customer needs a desire to extend the lifespan of product quality.
“In order to enrich the lives of people around the world, we continue to seek prices and quality that impress our customers. We’re increasing customer satisfaction and maintaining our position at the forefront of the market by selling well-made products at adorable prices,” Mr Yano said.
HE NSW Labor Government’s reforms to the ticketless parking fine system to require on-the-spot notifications have passed the NSW Parliament. The changes end the ticketless system introduced by the previous Liberal-National Government in 2020. Under the ticketless system, instead of having the infringement notice left on the vehicle, the fine was sent by post, sometimes not being received until weeks after the incident.
Soon after the introduction of the previous government’s ticketless system, the NRMA and other stakeholders raised issues with the scheme, identifying that it removed transparency and making it more difficult for motorists to contest their fine.
In 2023/24, local councils issued 822,310 ticketless parking fines, a 49% increase over the 551,441 issued in 2022/23.
The Fines Amendment (Parking Fines) Bill 2024 restores fairness and transparen-
cy to the parking fine system by:
• Requiring councils to attach an on-the-spot notification to the vehicle.
• Requiring councils to take photos of offences and make them available for Revenue NSW to provide to drivers.
• Providing limited exceptions where an on-the-spot notification is not required, for example where it may be unsafe or hazardous for a ranger to do so.
• Invalidating ‘repeat’ ticketless parking fines, where drivers can be fined multiple times for the same
offence before they even become aware of the first infringement.
• Introducing data reporting rules to evaluate if further reforms are necessary.
A working group, which has representatives from stakeholders including Local Government NSW, has been established by Revenue NSW to inform the drafting of regulations and assist with implementation.
Even before the bill passed, several councils began proactively providing onthe-spot notifications to drivers.
6 & 8 Parramatta Square has received two awards or excellence at the prestigious Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) Awards for Excellence in London.
The Tall Building Awards recognise projects which have made an extraordinary contribution to the advancement of tall buildings and the urban environment, as well as achieving sustainability and well-being at the highest level with the most impact.
6 & 8 Parramatta Square received
‘Award for Excellence’ in two categories; the Best Tall Building by Region for Oceania and Best Tall Building by Height (200-299m) Walker Corporation Managing Director and CEO David Gallant said 6 & 8 Parramatta Square has led a major transformation in Greater Sydney’s geographical heart.
“Parramatta Square’s recognition on the world stage, is the product of a bold, transformational vision from our late Founder and Executive Chairman
Lang Walker AO who always knew where Sydney was growing and why Western Sydney needed a modern CBD with the best infrastructure,” Mr Gallant said.
“The Tall Building Awards 2024 theme asked the question ‘New or Renew?’; but Lang Walker was always of the opinion you can do both exceptionally well, ensuring we conserve and revitalise the rich culture and heritage of Parramatta, while delivering state of the art architecture, new large public spaces and civic centres, integrated with public transport, restaurants and cafes whilst exceeding sustainability benchmarks.”
At 55 storeys and 243 metres high, the 6 & 8 Parramatta Square tower came up against competition from Canada, USA, England, China, Taipei and India.
The Parramatta Square project demonstrated to the judging panel how it recognised and overcame various urban challenges including disconnected public infrastructure, rich heritage with no integration into the public realm, degraded commercial office stock, badly defined and unsafe public spaces and poor-quality retail experiences.
JPW Architects Director Graeme Dix said 6 & 8 Parramatta Square deserves world recognition for its functional form and placemaking excellence.
Parramatta Square by Walker is the country’s most sustainable commercial precinct, after taking out first place in the coveted NABERS Sustainable Portfolio Index national environmental honours earlier this year, beating 414 other commercial assets in Australia.
6 & 8 Parramatta Square is also the largest building in Australia to be awarded the highest achievable 6 Star Green Office Design and As-Built (v.1) rating from the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA).
The precinct diverted over 90% of building waste during construction away from landfill by reusing and recycling materials throughout the project’s lifecycle.
AN Alcohol and Drug Foundation survey revealed that 64% of Australians worried about a loved one’s alcohol or drug use feel unsure about how to provide support. Nearly 60% struggle to initiate conversations, and 45% don’t know where to seek help for their loved ones. Barriers include stigma, embarrassment, and lack of privacy. CEO Dr. Erin Lalor stressed the importance of early intervention, reducing stigma, and improving access to support tools like Path2Help and the National Alcohol and Drug Hotline. If a person is concerned about their own, or a family or friend’s alcohol or other drug use, they can call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015 or Family Drug Support Australia on 1300 368 186. People can also visit www.adf.org.au for a range of help and support resources.
THE Australian Medical Association (AMA) emphasises the need for an adequately resourced workforce to reduce suicide rates in Australia. AMA President Dr. Danielle McMullen highlights critical shortages in psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health professionals, particularly in rural areas. The AMA urges government investment in the psychiatry workforce, multi-disciplinary teams, and mental health services. Improved data collection and coordination are also essential for effective suicide prevention and policy development.
WORLD Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week highlights the urgent threat of drug-resistant infections, which could return healthcare to the "dark ages." AMA President Dr. Danielle McMullen warns of life-threatening, untreatable infections and predicts AMR may cause 50 million deaths annually by 2050. She stresses careful antibiotic prescribing, research investment, and global coordination, urging Australia to lead efforts against AMR through its Australian Centre for Disease Control and a unified national strategy.
THE NSW Schools Advisory Council will convene in December to develop a statewide approach to bullying, supported by the NSW Government's advocacy for national action. Representing over 3,120 schools, the council aims to ensure safe school environments by addressing bullying's root causes and standardising responses. Initiatives include banning mobile phones, recruiting counsellors, revising curricula on respectful relationships, and launching anti-cyberbullying resources, underscoring the commitment to improved student wellbeing.
AUSTRALIA’S cost of living, high fuel prices, and increasing public transport costs are making commuting financially unsustainable for many. The average annual commute costs $5,020 per person, with a national expense of $43.2B. Urban sprawl exacerbates commuting challenges, forcing workers into longer, costlier commutes. Hybrid and remote work arrangements offer a solution, saving costs and improving work-life balance. Experts emphasise the need for commuter-friendly cities and flexible work policies to alleviate financial strain.
THE NSW Government is seeking feedback on proposals to reduce plastic waste and litter by 30% by 2025. The NSW Plastics: The Way Forward plan suggests phasing out unnecessary plastic items, improving recyclability, and aligning with other states. In 2022-23, NSW recycled only 14% of its 891,000 tonnes of plastic waste. The consultation invites input from communities, industries, and stakeholders to shape policies for a cleaner, more sustainable environment. Feedback closes after eight weeks.
THE COVID-19 Inquiry Report highlights the critical role of community pharmacists during the pandemic, administering over 12 million vaccinations and rapidly adopting innovations like e-scripts. Pharmacy Guild President Professor Trent Twomey emphasized the need to leverage pharmacists' full scope of practice for improved healthcare access. The report recommends national harmonization of pharmacy practices and empowering pharmacists to address workforce shortages, reduce delays, and enhance patient care in future health emergencies.
MONASH University-led research has shown that blood tests measuring brain-specific proteins can track neurobiological recovery after sport-related concussions, aiding safer return-to-play decisions. By analysing 137 athletes, researchers found biomarkers like GFAP and NfL remain elevated for weeks in severe cases, particularly those involving loss of consciousness. This study highlights the need for biomarker-based returnto-play guidelines alongside symptom assessment. While more work is needed for clinical adoption, the findings emphasize cautious recovery timelines, especially in community sports.
THE NSW Speed Adviser app now includes audio and visual alerts for over 1,300 level crossings, enhancing road safety, particularly in regional areas. Launched during Rural Road Safety Month, the app warns drivers with “Caution, rail crossing ahead” messages, encouraging vigilance. Between 2014-2024, 64 level crossing collisions caused 8 deaths. Complementing this, a $1.2M Rail Active Crossing Systems trial is underway. The app, downloaded 120,000 times, supports broader efforts to reduce road fatalities.
WHEN Mridula Menon and her husband moved to Australia in 2017, they dreamed of a brighter future.
Instead, the Parramatta mum is now having to ask the community for support to help fund a targeted cancer treatment that could save her life.
In 2020, at 37 weeks pregnant and with the world on the brink of the COVID-19 pandemic, a tumour was found in Mridula’s ovary.
“The weight of the word ‘cancer’ bore down our world bringing fear and uncertainty,” Mridula said.
“I always had robust health and infrequent visits to doctors, and here I was thrust into a reality I never imagined.”
Mridula immediately underwent an emergency C-section, including the removal of her right ovary and the tumour. A biopsy revealed she had stage 4 gastric cancer.
As international borders closed during COVID, and with their newborn daughter in the neonatal unit, Mridula had to start fortnightly chemotherapy with limited support.
“We found strength in the unwavering support of our close friends,” Mridula said.
“With their help and the arrival of my mother, who was granted an exemption to travel, and my husband
taking a year-and-a-half sabbatical, whilst I battled postnatal depression, we slowly began to rebuild our lives.”
Gastric cancer is rare, aggressive and has limited research and treatment.
“The doctors delivered a grim prognosis, informing us that if the
chemotherapy worked, I might have a maximum of six months,” Mridula said.
Three years on, Mridula has endured multiple treatments and surgeries, recently having brain surgery to remove a 6cm lesion, followed by radiation targeting new spots found during brain MRIs.
Although the rest of her body has no evidence of active disease, her oncologist is concerned about the recurring brain metastases, which cannot be treated with chemotherapy.
Hope exists in the form of a targeted drug called Enhertu, but it’s not subsidised on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for Mridula’s cancer. Three applications for compassionate access have been rejected.
Instead, Mridula’s young family is forced to pay $12,000 every three weeks to access Enhertu – an impossible amount on a single income.
Mridula is asking for the community to support her in raising $200,000 so she can continue accessing the drug until other options, like clinical trials, are available.
“Every contribution, whether it’s $10, $100 or any amount within your means will serve as a beacon of hope, guiding us through the darkness of this battle,” she said.
“This way, you will give me the chance to witness my daughter’s milestones, to hold her close, and to shape her beautiful future that lies ahead.”
Donations to help Mridula can be made via Rare Cancers Australia online at: https://treat. rarecancers.org.au/campaign/2140/helpingmridula
Australia’s leading media voice for Australia’s fastest growing region –Greater Western Sydney.
Western Sydney Express covers the people, projec ts and potential of our dynamic region.
Read the digital edition 24/7 and st stay up to date with the issues that matter in your area.
Saive™ is an Australian owned and developed AI platform that enables consumers to shop the entire energy market that services their property. It’s now available and will enable genuine bill relief for electricity and gas users.
Homes and small businesses have already been using the saive™ platform and have realised average savings of 29% for electricity ($657) and19% for gas ($422).
The process is simple. Customers upload their bill onto the saive™ platform, where it takes the sophisticated AI technology less than 20 seconds to shop the entire market. Put simply, it will shop every retailer’s public offer available to a dwelling or small business and rank the best offers to their current deal. It forces the energy retailers to play in a near perfect market, so the most efficient and fair deals are easily found.
Not only does saive™ provide alternative electricity and gas deals with real cash savings, but as a feature of the platform, customers also can choose to automatically monitor changes in the market to ensure that as consumption and pricing fluctuate, customers will never pay too much.
saive™ is currently offering the first year of membership for free. After the initial year, annual membership fee will be just $29.95 for retail customers.
This transparent pricing provides access to the platform for managing electricity and gas services across multiple properties, including your primary residence and other investment properties.
For most Australians, this means that maintaining membership will cost less than half a percent of their energy bill, while potentially saving around 24%.
Director of Consumer Experience, Hannah Wilson said that saive™ will revolutionise the way Australians engage with their energy providers.
"The current relationship is broken. Unless consumers are experts in the field, they often have no idea what presents as value. The whole process until this point has relied on the premise that the consumer either find it too difficult or can't be bothered shopping the market and potentially changing providers. The process is opaque, and the consumer does not know where the commission or rebate streams eventually land,” said Ms Wilson.
“saive™ is providing a trusted service for Australians who find it nearly impossible to manage their energy needs, let alone find the cheapest option. saive™ enables a member to manage up to four properties on their account.”
Before now, if consumers wanted to find a cheaper deal, the only real
In fact, most people don’t realise the three largest commercial comparison sites are owned by the same group. Consumers have little understanding that they are paid by the energy retailers to market a small and select range of offers to consumers.
This ‘free' market comparison service is costing Aussies far more than they would imagine.
"Then there is the energy loyalty tax issue where the longer the consumer stays with their provider the more they will be paying. The best energy deals are offered to consumers where willing to shop the market," Ms Wilson said.
“saive™is different. It uses AI technology that drives value directly
back to the customer meaning they can avoid the hidden costs of comparison sites altogether.”
Uniquely, saive™ offers its customers a lowest price guarantee. Typical saving examples realised to date include:
• A homeowner in Melbourne's inner east saved $3,600 on electricity and $2,400 on gas. They have a busy house with many children and their partners living with them.
• A homeowner in Sydney northern beaches with solar and battery infrastructure, realised a 23% or $3,800 saving on their electricity plan alone.
• A pensioner in Melbourne’s inner north saving a total of $1,200.
Visit: www.saive.com.au
WentWest, the Western Sydney Primary Health Network (WSPHN), is proud to share their interactive Annual Review 2023-2024: Partnerships. This Review showcases the amazing work of health professionals and community members in Western Sydney.
Primary Health Networks (PHNs) are independent organisations that assess the needs of their community and commission health services to ensure people can get coordinated health care when they need it. PHNs work closely with local hospital networks, GPs, allied health providers, nurses, Aboriginal Medical Services and aged care providers to better coordinate health services.
In the 2023-2024 financial year, WSPHN commissioned 537 contracts across a range of priority areas including mental health, aged care, Aboriginal health, and child and family health.
The launch of the Healthy Western Sydney service directory, offering information on aged care, dementia and palliative care services.
15,105 patients with non-life threatening conditions, receiving essential care at a Western Sydney Urgent Care Services, easing pressure on local emergency departments.
Opening of two Medicare Urgent Care Clinics.
$61 million in commissioned contracts and grants to enhance health care services.
Success of two Citizens’ Juries to find out what matters to community members.
Healthy Western Sydney is delivered by WentWest, the Western Sydney Primary Health Network.
WentWest, the Western Sydney Primary Health Network, is proud to serve community in the Blacktown, Cumberland, Parramatta and The Hills Shire LGAs.
The Still Standing program is a free group exercise and education program run by Accredited Exercise Physiologists to reduce the risk of falling and the chance of a hospital stay. Western Sydney residents who are 65 years and over, or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders 50 years and over, can attend the program at one of seven locations.
Find out more.
Western Sydney is a known diabetes hotspot with rates far higher than the NSW average. Did you know that losing 2kg can reduce your chance of developing type 2 diabetes by 30%?
Taking the 2kg challenge can lower your risk of diabetes, improve your physical and mental health and social wellbeing.
Find out more about the 2kg challenge.
with Emma Wilson
ACCESSIBLE tourism has boomed in the past few years, but there’s one city in Australia that is well ahead of the game. Western Australia’s Perth may be beloved for being home to a sparkling turquoise coastline and rugged red terrain – but its fast-evolving disability tourism scene is also something to write home about.
Stay
The Warders Hotel, Fremantle – base yourself in historical Fremantle in old limestone cottage rooms that were once the Fremantle Warders’ homes. The accessible room features a double bathroom with wheelchair-friendly facilities including handrails and an accessible toilet/shower. Before booking, make sure you give them a call to ensure your access needs can be catered for.
If you’d rather stay in the city, Novotel Perth on Murray Street is home to a fully-accessible room, too.
Explore Rottnest Island – ready to don your bathers and spot a quokka? Head to Rottnest
Island for a trip you’ll remember forever. Choose to stay for a few nights or head on a day trip – there’s something special to spot for everyone on this island. Stay in a room that’s as accessible as it is elegant at Samphire Rottnest, and take the accessible Discover Bus Tour with Rottnest Express. Swan River Seaplanes –add a special touch to your Rottnest trip and travel by seaplane. This exciting locally-owned brand is full to the brim with ideas on how to
make their adventures more accessible to all. With big plans in the works and big hearts to match, this is an adventure you don’t want to miss.
Off the Beaten Track –back on the mainland, explore Perth’s great outdoors with avid hiker and passionate people person Tracy Lindsey. She’s dedicated to helping folk with different abilities to explore the world around them and connect to nature. Give her a buzz and she’ll work her magic to create an outdoor adventure
that works for you and your abilities.
Learn
WA Museum Boola Bardip
– you won’t find a museum that cares more about catering to different abilities than this one. Based in Perth CBD, the staff are intricately trained in accessibility, and even wellversed in invisible disabilities (what a breath of fresh air). Featuring exhibits that thoughtfully cater to different abilities, there’s also a lot to
be said about the functional accessibility, too. Hire a wheelchair for free, get audio assistance and grab a visual or sensory map before you arrive.
Vertigo Experience – go above and beyond with this sky-high experience above Optus Stadium. If you dare, strap into the iron-grade harnesses and try a few tricks on the custom-built platform 42 metres above the field. The team here are passionate about providing an otherworldly adventure, but they’re even more dedicated to making sure it works for everyone who wants to have a go. Contact the team directly to chat about your needs and work out a plan to fly high together.
His Majesty’s Theatre –step back in time and get a dose of culture at the iconic His Majesty’s Theatre. At 120 years old, the theatre is filled with history, haunts and famous faces plastered on the walls. Arrange a tactile sensory tour where you can wander the theatre and get close and personal with the glitz and glamour.
WORDS BY IMOGEN KARS
IF you are looking for somewhere for a Christmas drink or catch-up spot around Sydney after work, weekday lunch or on the weekend, here are four brand new or renovated venues worth checking out.
Vinabar
The perfect spot for a quick drink or on a CBD Christmas bar-hop. This is Sydney’s only Vietnamese-inspired micro-bar and offers a super creative cocktail list, inspired by the vibrant nightlife and warm hospitality of Southeast Asia. Walk along Kent Street to find number 332, it’s a bit hidden but push the door open to find miniature Vietnam inside. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday until 2am and highlights of their new menu include the M?’s Remedy, which combines homemade pho syrup—crafted from the traditional spices of pho with bourbon and citrus, along with Mala-Garita Special, a spicy margarita twist available Tuesday to Thursday from 5-7pm. The staff are super friendly and keen to show you their creative cocktails.
Mainly just a drinks bar they do serve the traditional Baby Banh Mi bun. This yummy pork bun is served with fresh chilli and coriander and comes with a shot of coffee. Ask the staff for a card showing you the other micro-bars within walking distance and go exploring! www.vinabar.com.au book a table online. 332 Kent St City.
Lil Darlin
If you’re familiar with Lil Darlin in Surry Hills, you won’t be disappointed with this second location. Drop in for delicious lunch of sizzling chilli prawns, duck pancakes or Morroccan chicken salad. Everything is mouthwatering and comes out sizzling hot. Drop in for a cocktail or get a group together for an end of year Lil Darlin’s cocktail making class! For
great cocktails try ‘Better The Devil You Know’ (coconut chilli margarita), ‘Gin There Done That’ or the delicious Fairy Floss Martini’. Happy Hour is from 4pm to 6pm daily plus Friday and Saturday from 10pm, Find Lil Darlin at 23 Willoughby Road, Crows Nest. Lildarlin.com.au
Buckle Cafe and Distillery
A brand new family-friendly distillery at the top of the shopping centre. Come for lunch or dinner and bring the whole family. Open for coffees, brunch or cocktails this is a great spot to sit in the sunshine outdoors or enjoy the gorgeous new distillery
Lots of parking available in the shopping centre, visit 1 Frederick Street, Artarmon book online at bucklecd.au or call 1800 729000 bucklecd.au. Open 8am till 9pm and on weekends closing time is 11pm.
Bottega Coco
If you’re missing the vibrant cosmopolitan vibe of a European restaurant don’t miss a visit to Barangaroo’s Bottega Coco. Right in the heart of this busy precinct, this venue has outdoor tables for tractional European people-watching and a gorgeous high ceiling interior.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the food choices are heavenly. For dinner the Risotto Marinara, spaghetti con Gambari and Antatra Confit are excellent choices and the Tiramisu is absolutely delicious.
As a commitment to sustainability Bottega uses sustainable ingredients and has an in-house vertical farm that is fun to view. A great place for a drink, they also have classes for pasta making and cocktail making. Drop in for a dose of Europe soon. T3.01/300
with Emma Wilson
IF you are in need of an escape from the routine of work and the stress of Christmas. Consider a quick and easy getaway to the Park Proxi Gibraltar in Bowral. This expansive hotel has 77 rooms and suites and includes an 18hole golf course and an indoor pool and gym.
Newly opened, this hotel is just a couple of minutes’ drive outside the town centre of Bowral. Set in a lush country environment, the hotel interiors are thoughtfully decorated in calming forest colours and decor. Sit outside on your own balcony and enjoy the silence and peace and fresh country air. If you have small children with you, the hotel has thought of everything with a tent to play in, colouring pencils and an activity pad and hobby horse to play with.
Harvey’s Bar
The hotel bar is generous in size and low-key in style. Scattered around the bar are multiple armchairs to curl up in. A great spot to relax with a book and a whiskey and looking out onto a lush golf course beyond. Happy hour is 5-6pm daily with $14 cocktails and $6 tap beer. Even if you’re not a hotel guest, drop in!
Lotus restaurant
Lotus restaurant is a beautifully well-lit inside the hotel is and is a delicious Asian infusion culinary affair. The menu is extensive, you can leave it up to white staff to serve recommendations or partake in two banquet meals, $79 and $109. You won’t be disappointed. If you have children with you the Dim Sums, duck pancakes and noodles are a good choice. Restaurant decor style is in keeping with the country theme, with the massive windows letting in lots of light and bright greenery of the woods as far as the eye can see. The room is filled with flowers arranged thoughtfully in vases and little country style nick nacks and the view is absolutely stunning with light coming in the generous sized windows looking out onto a golf course beyond. For breakfast, hot breakfast is served here
as well and it is worth arriving early to get a window seat in the sunshine to enjoy a hot coffee.
Within the hotel itself there is a gym with free weights equipment and rowing machine. The indoor pool is warm with a colder plunge pool next to it. Go and see the pro shop for a round of golf or deals on a membership.
In the local area it’s just a 5 minute drive into the town of Bowral for some yummy organic food, smoothies or hot drinks at Raw and Wild Market and Cafe (www.rawwild.com.au) at 250 Bong Bong St Bowral). Onesta Cucina has great Italian food at 5 Boolwey St Bowral (www.onestacucina.com.au).
Local Shopping Wander around the town of Bowral for homewares, clothes shops, knickknack stores, bars and restaurants. City Cave Bowral is an excellent addition to your hotel visit with float therapy and red light sauna and massage. 16/ 63-69 Kirkham Road Bowral. 0404 555 223 (www.citycave.com.au/bowral)
Gardens
Bowral is a town where residents take pride in their gardens so a great morning can be spent, coffee in hand, enjoying the roses in Bowra’ residents’ gardens and in the public parks.
Art
The local area is well known for its art culture. Drop into Bowral Gallery
at 1 Short Street 10 am to 4 pm daily (free entry) or keep your eye on art trails and exhibitions throughout the year. The exhibition of Miniatures and Small Artworks will be showing between Thursday the 12th to Sunday, 27 December. Regular art classes or workshops are available from time to time. Check out www.bdasgallery.com/ term-classes. Archibald Ngununggula, Retford Park, 1 Art Gallery Lane, Bowral is touring from 30 Nov 2024 to the 26 Jan 2025.
Leave your Park Proxi stay well feeling well rested and nourished and feel immersed in nature from a getaway that can be a little as a whole day to a whole weekend. 7 Boronia Street Bowral phone +61 2 486 28600 or visit www. parkproxibowral.com
